Over the past 35 years, Simmons has been recognized for a number of his accomplishments.

2018

Simmons was selected to be a judge for the coveted, Eisner Awards.

2017

Received the prestigious INKPOT AWARD from Comic Con International (aka San Diego Comic Con) for his accomplishments as a comics author/creator, and for his work with children.

Received the GLYPH AWARD for Best Make Character (his character Blackjack).

2016

Received the GLYPH AWARD for Best Writer for his graphic novel, Blackjack: There Came A Dark Hunter.

2010

Received the Glyph Best Writer Award for the books, Archie & Friends, as well as, The Cartoon Life of Chuck Clayton.

Simmons has also received recognition as the co-founder/producer of the annual KIDS’ COMIC CON (KCC). KCC is a comic book convention for children, families, and educators. For twelve years it has brought fun, art, literacy and science to children from New York to Africa.

Simmons is also the founder and curator of the COLOR OF COMICS art exhibition. COC contains images from artists around the globe representing the portrayal of people of color in comics. This event was chosen by the American Embassy in Dakar. It was part of the Fessman International Cultural Arts Festival in Senegal Africa, in December 2010.

Simmons has been brought in as a guest speaker to talk about such matters as literacy, arts-n-education, diversity, and more. He’s given workshops on science and super heroes, journalism, and playwriting to students and teachers in varying socio-economic levels.

CLIENTS:

ACE Comic Con

Archie Comics

Behind the Books

Borough of Manhattan Community College

Bronx Community College

Bronx Creative Arts for Youth

Buffalo/Erie County Library System

Children’s Art Carnival

City Lights Youth Theater

East Coast Black Age of Comics Convention

Educational Alliance Association

Miami Book Fair International

New Jersey City University

New Rochelle Public School System

New York Comic Con

New York Library, Young Adult Division

New York City, Public Schools

Passages Academy

Senegalese-American Bilingual School

Wilson Place Comics

Wingspan

About Me

Simmons is the founder of the annual Kids Comic Con, founder and curator of the Color of Comics Exhibition. He also served on the board of the New York State Alliance for Arts and Education for five years; is a consultant for the Christopher Barron Live Life Foundation; and is affiliated with the Museum of Comic & Cartoon Art.